A BISHOP jailed for a string of sexual offences against teenagers and young men has died. 

Peter Ball, from Langport in Somerset, was Bishop of Lewes between 1977 and 1992 and Bishop of Gloucester from 1992 until he resigned the following year.

While Bishop of Lewes in the 1980s he convinced young men taking part in the “Give a Year for Christ” scheme to pray naked at his altar and submit to beatings for his sexual gratification.

The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) reported Peter Ball "was able to sexually abuse vulnerable teenagers and young men for decades".

The Argus:

He was jailed in 2015 after being found guilty of misconduct in public office and indecent assaults.

After his trial at the Old Bailey, Ball was sentenced to 32 months for offences against 18 teenagers and men over three decades.

He was released from prison in February 2017, having served 16 months.

It is believed Ball had been friends with Prince Charles before the bishop was convicted.

Bishop Peter Hancock, the Church's safeguarding lead, told the BBC: "We have been made aware of the death of Peter Ball and our prayers and thoughts are with everyone affected by this news."